Naleighna Kai's Literary Cafe Magazine Father's Day Issue | Page 58

Michelle D. Rayford excerpt from Moment of Truth Three months into my marriage and I’ve already messed up. I wish I could go back in time where I’m not sitting in an examination room waiting on the doctor to return and tell me what I already know to be true. Logan will not be pleased. Closing my eyes to the harsh glare of fluorescent light, I shift on the exam table as the paper crinkles beneath me. I tell myself a missed period can be caused by any number of things. Now, I cross my arms and wince. My tender breast aches. I put off this visit for weeks, content to live in denial. My stomach churns. I hop off the table, make it to the small restroom in two strides, and kneel in front of the toilet. I send up a prayer that my husband will accept this gift and forget about my reluctant agreement. Logan’s demand to not have children almost doomed our marriage before it began. I relented to his terms after weighing the option of being left alone. Again. Marrying a lawyer put me at a disadvantage in arguing this point. Dr. Taylor taps on the door. “Be right out,” I yell and flush. At the sink, I glance at my reflection before washing my hands. I don’t recognize the woman staring back. All confidence is gone. Get it together. Being pregnant is not a death sentence. My marriage may end, but I’ve been through worse. I will my limbs to move and open the door. Dr. Taylor and his nurse are beaming. He presents the test. The plus sign marked in blue makes me ecstatic and terrified at the same time. * * * I wait until after dinner to tell Logan. Standing in the doorway to the living room watching Logan fix a glass of rum and coke, I take a deep breath and join him on the couch. “I’m pregnant.” His entire body becomes rigid. The silence makes my heart pound. “How did that happen?” Total confusion about human reproduction plays across his handsome features.